Masai Mara

 

The Mara is the northern portion of the Serengeti,

early this summer we traveled here to enjoy this phenomenal east African game park!

We arrived at dusk and decided to take a short game ride that proved to be filled with adventure.

Hidden up in a tree, a young leopard was spotted camouflaged against the shades of colored bark in the branch of a tall tree.

Viewing through our binoculars and camera lens, we were able to barely see his face and catch a glimpse of his small body.

Just beautiful!

This young leopard kept us busy with photos until dark!

                                                                                                                With the dark of all dark in the night approaching,

we started to drive back to camp only to be surprised by,

we believe the mother leopard on her hunt through the tall Serengeti grassland.

This was wildlife on the move!

     After the excitement of our first adventure viewing one of the top 5 in a leopard, we checked into a tented camp,

with Masai guards keeping the camp safe throughout the night!

All through the night guards would walk the camp with flash lights,

the guards would faithfully search over each tent to ensure safety.  Glad to hear it!!

Our tent was situated right on the upper banks of the river,

with the sounds and echoing of large hippo’s down in the river bellowing out each grunt.

We just laughed at each grunt!

Our next adventure out into the Serengeti was planned for 7am sharp to catch the early activity of wildlife.

The path to our tent in the

camp was literally just minutes from the Serengeti!

 

On the Masai Mara, we would see God’s creation in the wild,

this was incredible, a rare and timely gift to us from God.

We’re so grateful the Lord chose to refresh and bless us,

with this unique and long awaited trip to Africa

during our 23rd wedding anniversary!

For in His multitude of mercies, He has sustained us and our marriage for so many years, through joys and sorrows, trials and in success.

His sustaining hand was evident as well in the Serengeti among the wild open land and animals,

all created for our enjoyment and to worship Him.

A vast area of land, full of wildlife to take in and just worship God for His beauty and goodness.  Amazing!

One of my favorite animals is the giraffe!  So beautiful, stately and yet graceful.  🙂

Who could imagine we’d see four male lions taking a snooze in the afternoon sun!

Well, no wonder as the four male lions had taken down a mature hippo in the night and in the heat of the next day,

welcomed the rest from what we were told is a difficult kill and big victory for lions.

                                                                                                                                               

“They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made….we were eye witnesses of his majesty…”  ~Psalms 145 & 2 Peter 1:16